Grace Lutheran Church - Fellowship Hall
1200 East Hebron Parkway, Carrollton, TX 75010
Various Days in January: Workshops are throughout the Month of January - (TBD) Ping Steff for assistance
Thu Jan 29, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM: Registration and Check In Day 1
Fri Jan 30, 2026 from 5:00 - 9:00 PM: Registration and Check In Day 2
Sat Jan 31, 2026 from 9:00 AM - Done (usually by noon): PWD Race Day
The pinewood derby is one of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting. Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models that Cub Scouts make with help from their families. Your Scout gets to work with parents and leaders to imagine, design, create, and race unpowered wooden cars against fellow Cub Scouts.
The cars are powered by gravity and run down a track. Every boy can design and build his own "grand prix" car to enter in the race.
It happens every year in January. While typically this is a family event so bring the grandparents, uncles, cousins, and anyone else who might enjoy the race.
All entries in the derby will start with the "Official Grand Prix Pinewood Derby Kit" which includes the body, 4 axles, and 4 wheels. All nine pieces MUST be used before the car can race. The kits are sold at the local Scout Shop or online. All active Scouts will receive a kit as a Christmas present in December. Siblings and parents may buy a car for $5 each. Cars may not exceed 5 ounces in weight and must conform to certain size restrictions and specifications. Decorating the cars are up to the imagination of the boys. The complete set of rules will be available below.
There will be several opportunities to mold and shape the block of pinewood into a mean lean well-decorated racing machine. If you are in need of workshop assistance, be sure to ping Steff. The scouts are not permitted to use power tools but they are encouraged to design the shape of their cars, sand them, and decorate them accordingly. Parents are encouraged to assist the scout but they should let the scout do most of the work.
On Check-in Night (the night before the big race) bring your car and your best smile. To make sure you are registered, sign up here!
You will have the opportunity to try your car once on the track to make sure is in its best condition, and in case you need it, our Pit Stop Crew will help you to tune your engines.
NOTE: We have a wooden track.
And finally, your car will be registered accordingly to your division and stored in a secure place for Race day.
Last but not least, give your car a name.
1) SCOUT DERBY - All the scout dens. The race heats will be comprised of cars from all dens and the siblings division even though awards are at the den level.
2) SIBLING DERBY - Scout brothers and sisters through fifth grade can enter their own cars.
3) OUTLAW (Adult) DERBY - Includes Siblings in 6th-12th grade/ Age 13 and above
Note: Please see the Rules & Registration page for PWD car and race rules
The Derby is about doing one's best and having fun, so all participants will be recognized. But that doesn't mean our race winners won't take home some shiny hardware.
Every effort is made to award Trophies, Ribbons, and cars at the conclusion of the event. Anything unclaimed will be available at the next pack meetings.
Arrow of Light Den - First, Second, & Third Place
Webelos Den - First, Second, & Third Place
Bears Den - First, Second, & Third Place
Wolfs Den - First, Second, & Third Place
Tiger Den - First, Second, & Third Place
Lion Den - First, Second, & Third Place
Overall for Scout Race*- First, Second, & Third place
Dragon Derby* - First, Second, & Third Place
Outlaw Derby* - First, Second & Third Place
Everyone who participates gets a ribbon
*Only Scouts qualify for the Overall Race Placement
2026 Awards are TBD
2026 Awards are TBD
